Compensation for Cholecystectomy Negligence
A cholecystectomy, surgery to remove the gallbladder, is a fairly common operation. Nonetheless, accidents occasionally occur during the procedure and can leave the patient in a life-threatening position.
When a surgeon undertakes a cholecystectomy, a thorough understanding of the complex anatomy of the abdomen is vital to ensure the safety of the patient. Furthermore, obtaining a clear field of vision of the gallbladder and surrounding structures is crucial to ensuring that no accidental damage is caused to the vital organs of the digestive and reproductive systems.
Accidental damage occurring during a cholecystectomy can take a number of forms:
- The bile duct, which connects the gallbladder and liver to the digestive system, may be damaged leading to a bile leak
- The bile duct may be obstructed or blocked due to inappropriate use of surgical instruments, leading to a build-up of bile and the patient developing jaundice
- The bowel or digestive tract can be damaged, potentially allowing the leaking of bacteria into the abdomen.
Effects of bile duct damage
If bile or bacteria from the bowel leaks into the abdominal cavity, there is a significant chance that it will cause infection. It is not unusual for this to prompt a sepsis reaction where the body responds disproportionately to the infection. Sepsis is a severe illness and a medical emergency. The patient can very quickly find themselves in a life-threatening situation with possible organ damage or failure.
Close monitoring of patients who have recently undergone a gallbladder operation should ensure that any symptoms of infection are soon observed and any damage is repaired. A patient who may be suffering the effects of a bile duct injury will probably be exhibiting signs of fever with a painful abdomen and vomiting.
Bowel damage case study
In an astonishing failure by a medical professional, a recent client was found to have had his bowel stitched to his abdomen during the course of a gallbladder operation, causing intense pain and on-going bowel problems.
Medical negligence
Injury to the bile duct, the bowel or other anatomical structure during the curse of a cholecystectomy may be considered to be due to substandard care. If the injury is not identified and repaired, the patient can suffer long-term problems as a result.
It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering with the significant, long-term effects of negligence during a gallbladder operation, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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